A photo of a man in a science lab. He is wearing safety goggles, a white lab coat and blue latex gloves. He is looking through a gap on between a shelf and the counter and holding a small, clear jar.
Keith Aine, who is pursuing his master’s degree from the College of Engineering, has enjoyed the opportunity to pursue his interest in sustainability in engineering at VCU. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Nov. 5, 2026

World@VCU: Keith Aine from Uganda

‘VCU has an “uncommon” touch: In the literal sense, they made me feel welcome from the application process.’

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By Amelia Heymann

World@VCU is a VCU News feature, in partnership with the Global Education Office, that highlights students from around the world who enrich the Virginia Commonwealth University community. Keith Aine is pursuing his master’s degree, with a concentration in environmental and sustainable engineering, from the College of Engineering.

What should we know about your home country?

Uganda is a really beautiful place; it’s called the pearl of Africa for that reason. My home is richly diverse, with numerous cultures and languages. One unique fact is we have a mountain near the equator with snow. I would highly recommend anyone looking to enjoy a cool summer to go to my motherland. 

What inspired you to study at VCU?

VCU has an “uncommon” touch: In the literal sense, they made me feel welcome from the application process. I was looking for sustainability in engineering for my master’s, and VCU stood out.

Tell us about a favorite memory or experience so far here in America.

Watching the U.S. men’s World Cup game against Bosnia and Herzegovina at a watch party. The emotions and the atmosphere united us all that day. I lost my voice due to all the shouting and cheering.

Share something about a significant achievement or project.

I appreciate the knowledge I have learned from Dr. Ram Gupta’s lab. His research into battery technologies fuels my passion for sustainability in the way we approach energy. We are currently looking into sustainable resources for batteries.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love playing football (soccer) and swimming. My weekends are reserved for just that.

Give us a glimpse into your future.

I hope to be a global citizen that fronts sustainable options to world challenges in the ever-growing demand for energy.

Any advice for international students just starting their journeys?

Please don’t stop dreaming. All those ideas will come to fruition as long as you keep acting on them. We face challenges and hurdles, but always ask when you need help. You will be surprised at how much you accomplish whenever you reach out.